Reid Aided Abramoff Clients, Records Show

[jasmeel]

It looks like the AP is pushing this story again....Is there even anything new here?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060209/ap_on_go_co/abramoff_reid;_ylt=Ahg8Dlp
By JOHN SOLOMON and SHARON THEIMER, Associated Press Writers
WASHINGTON - Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid wrote at least four letters helpful to Indian tribes represented by Jack Abramoff, and the senator's staff regularly had contact with the disgraced lobbyist's team about legislation affecting other clients.
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The activities — detailed in billing records and correspondence obtained by The Associated Press — are far more extensive than previously disclosed. They occurred over three years as Reid collected nearly $68,000 in donations from Abramoff's firm, lobbying partners and clients.

Reid's office acknowledged Thursday having "routine contacts" with Abramoff's lobbying partners and intervening on some government matters — such as blocking some tribal casinos — in ways Abramoff's clients might have deemed helpful. But it said none of his actions were affected by donations or done for Abramoff.

"All the actions that Senator Reid took were consistent with his long-held beliefs, such as not letting tribal casinos expand beyond reservations, and were taken to defend the interests of Nevada constituents," spokesman Jim Manley said.

[Ignacio Upton]

1. See Josh Marshall's rebuttal:

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/week_2006_02_05.php

.....Also, remember that Reid DID NOT take money directly from Abramoff.

[Moderator]

2. Duplicate

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=2096899

search term used: Reid